《上清明堂元真經訣》

The Shangqing Mingtang Yuanzhen Jingjue (Supreme Clarity Scripture of the Primordial Perfection in the Hall of Light) presents a meditation method transmitted by the Queen Mother of the West, focusing on Neidan (internal alchemy) practice through solar and lunar visualization.

The core practice involves visualizing the sun and moon held within the mouth—called "storing the sun and moon"—with solar visualization during daytime and lunar at night. This method absorbs the essence of celestial bodies, allowing the "mysterious dual Qi" (primordial energies) to circulate through the Mingtang (upper Dantian located between the eyebrows). This nourishes the Shen (spirit), enhances vitality, and achieves the effects of "replenishing the Director of Fate" (extending longevity) and "commanding all spiritual energies" (mastering one's vital forces).

Key aspects of the scripture include:

1. The method originates from the Queen Mother of the West, titled "Jade Maiden of the Nine Numinous White Jade Tortoise Terrace and Supreme Primordial Perfection"

2. Practitioners should visualize the sun and moon as jade rings held in the mouth

3. Solar/lunar visualization can alternate day/night or be practiced simultaneously

4. This "supreme method of authentic mystery" is characterized by being "essential yet uncomplicated"

Important notes:

• "Mingtang" refers to the upper Dantian, a crucial site for Shen cultivation
• "Yuanzhen" (Primordial Perfection) denotes both the scripture's title and the jade maiden manifestation appearing during practice
• Originally engraved on the Phoenix Terrace's southern alcove, this method was only transmitted to destined disciples

Practice guidance: Beginners may visualize celestial radiance entering through the mouth and ascending to the Mingtang; advanced practitioners can directly visualize complete solar/lunar forms.

This scripture describes a cultivation method practiced during sunrise and moonrise, consisting of two main parts:

The practice should be performed during sunrise and moonrise (when cloudy or the moon isn't visible, face the moon's direction indoors). Sit upright with eyes closed and hands clasped together. Visualize the sun as crimson red and the moon as golden yellow, with the sun emitting nine purple rays and the moon ten white rays. Imagine these celestial bodies suspended nine feet before your mouth, their light beams entering your mouth like taut zither strings (begin by visualizing the sun and moon at their normal size in the sky, then gradually shrinking them to nine feet distance, transforming into luminous, translucent orbs).

Next, visualize a celestial maiden within each orb: The solar maiden wears a purple hibiscus headscarf, a red brocade shawl, and vermilion flying skirts. She identifies herself as the "Supreme Mysterious Crimson-Glow Jade Maiden of the Upper Mysteries," named Chanxuan, styled Mizhen. She exhales crimson Qi that fills the space between the celestial rays, merging with them as they enter the practitioner's mouth (the lunar maiden performs similarly when practicing moon absorption). These blended energies - the celestial radiance and the maiden's breath - all enter through the practitioner's mouth.

(Note: This represents a Daoist visualization technique (Cunsi) for absorbing celestial essences through imagining solar/lunar radiance and divine forms. The term "radiant glow" (Mangxia) refers to the combined energy of celestial rays and the maiden's exhaled Qi.)

This passage describes a Daoist meditation technique called "cunsi" (visualization), which cultivates vital essence (Jing) through visualizing the radiance of the sun and moon along with celestial maidens. The practice proceeds as follows:

During meditation, visualize the light of the sun and moon (within which resides the Vermilion Jade Maiden) shining upon your face. With each exhalation, imagine the jade maiden also exhaling, then swallow this breath. Repeat this process ninety times.

The breath-swallowing occurs in three phases: for the first thirty repetitions, guide the Qi downward to the lower Dantian (Gate of Life Palace); the next thirty store the Qi in the middle Dantian (Scarlet Palace); the final thirty raise the Qi to the upper Dantian (Muddy Pellet Palace). As the practice progresses, the solar and lunar radiance will seem to draw nearer—each swallowed breath brings the light one inch closer, until after ninety repetitions your entire face becomes enveloped in luminous warmth, glowing from the nose tip to the chin.

Next, visualize the jade maiden aligning her mouth with yours, allowing her crimson essence (Jing) to flow into your mouth (do not swallow yet). Silently recite an incantation invoking the essence of sun and moon to nourish your entire body, making the five viscera radiant and facial complexion vibrant, ultimately leading to immortality.

After the recitation, begin swallowing the maiden's transmitted nectar—again performing ninety repetitions. This nectar will appear reddish. Finally, imagine the jade maiden entering your mouth together with the solar-lunar radiance, dwelling momentarily before returning to the Hall of Light (a region within the upper Dantian).

Throughout this practice, maintain focused serenity. This coordinated method of visualization and breath regulation harmonizes the body's vital essence (Jing) and energy (Qi).

This scripture explains the method and effects of practicing "visualizing the sun and moon" (cunsi riyue). The main points are:

The practice is not bound by fixed repetitions and can be performed day or night. However, one must not visualize both the sun and moon simultaneously—they should be practiced separately: the sun during daytime and the moon at night, maintaining balanced frequency. Outside formal practice sessions, one may visualize both celestial bodies together in the Hall of Light (mingtang, the upper Dantian), with the sun on the left and the moon on the right, allowing their radiance to correspond with the eyes and facilitating the communion of Yin and Yang Qi.

This visualization can be maintained during daily sitting or reclining, as if truly witnessing the phenomena. After five years of sustained practice, the Jade Maiden of Supreme Mystery (Tai Xuan Yu Nü)—a deity formed from the essence of the sun and moon—will descend. She can manifest dozens of jade maidens to serve the practitioner, representing the ultimate resonance achieved through concentrated Jing (essence) and Qi.

Key considerations:

1. The Jade Maiden embodies the essence of the sun and moon—her companionship is for cultivation purposes, not mundane relationships.

2. During practice, mental distractions will manifest as changes in oral secretions (jinye, saliva).

3. The Hall of Light (mingtang) refers to the upper Dantian located between the eyebrows.

4. Visualization (cunsi) is a core Daoist technique that accumulates essence by focusing on divine imagery.

The text emphasizes how persistent visualization of celestial bodies accumulates vital energy, ultimately enabling communion with deities manifested from solar and lunar essences.

The Shangqing Mingtang Yuanzhen Jingjue (Highest Clarity Scripture of the Primordial Truth of the Bright Hall) primarily elucidates the concrete methods and related narratives concerning the cultivation of the "Mysterious Truth Technique":

Regarding cultivation methods:

1. The Supreme True Official (a high-ranking Daoist celestial officer) transmitted the "Path of Solar Radiance" and the "Method of Drawing Upon the Two Luminaries" (referring to meditation techniques visualizing the light of sun and moon). These enable practitioners to commune with spirits and attain truth, making the body glow like jade, command myriad deities, and ultimately ascend to celestial realms.

2. Key cultivation techniques include:

• Maintaining purification fasts (cleansing body and mind) and grain abstention (reducing food intake)
• Visualizing the sun and moon: by day imagining a crimson sun with purple rays and nine light-beams, ring-sized, in one's mouth; by night visualizing a yellow moon with white radiance and ten beams
• Swallowing the imagined luminous essences of these celestial bodies
• Even outside formal practice, maintaining the visualization of sun and moon positioned at the Mingtang acupoint (between the eyebrows) - sun left, moon right - allowing their light to connect with the eyes

Regarding cultivation narratives:

1. The Primordial Truth Perfected One (Yuanzhen Zhenren), while cultivating in Mount Chang, dreamt of the Jade Maiden of Supreme Mystery (a female immortal) holding a jade tablet directing him to West City, where he later received authentic transmission. This demonstrates how sincere practice resonates with celestial truths, with omens appearing beforehand.

2. The Perfected One of Zhong Mountain once taught similar Mysterious Truth methods to Yu the Great (legendary emperor), though the techniques then were simpler, lacking later-developed "spiral winding" (complex cultivation sequences).

3. The True Lord of Lifespans (Siming Zhenjun), after receiving the Mysterious Truth method from the Queen Mother of the West (Xiwangmu), refined it for three years until his complexion became jade-like and radiant. Later transmitting this visualization method to two disciples, he only taught the deeper "spiral winding" techniques after their three-year practice manifested divine light, ultimately enabling them to attain the immortal office of "Determined Register for Life Preservation."

4. The Eastern Minister of Lifespans (Dongqing Siming, the immortal Mao Ying) noted that in the Supreme Mingtang Scripture of Mysterious Truth transmitted by his teacher Lord Wang, this sun-moon visualization formed the foundational practice - regulating spirit (Shen), summoning the Six Ding divine generals for protection.

(Note: "Beams" refer to luminous rays; "Mingtang" indicates the acupoint between eyebrows; "Six Ding" denotes protective martial deities)

This passage elucidates the methods and precautions for cultivating the "Shangqing Mingtang Yuanzhen Jingjue" (Supreme Clarity Hall of Primal Truth Scripture Formula).

The text first emphasizes that practicing such profound Daoist methods requires making a sacred oath before cultivation. A practitioner named Ji Wei once observed three years of purification and contemplation with utmost sincerity, ultimately receiving the true transmission amidst divine light enveloping his body. This Mysterious Truth method, though essential in its teachings, is neither cumbersome nor trivial—it represents an exceptionally precious esoteric technique.

The "Mingtang Xuanzhen" (Mysterious Truth of the Hall of Light, referring to vital acupoints within the body) has its own distinct cultivation methods, primarily transmitted through oral formulas. Initially, Ji Wei did not receive the complete scripture but practiced according to these oral instructions before finally attaining the true transmission. The text specifically notes that those seeking the "Jade Pendant Hidden Texts" (an advanced cultivation method) may consult Ji Wei for guidance.

Regarding concrete practice methods:

If one experiences fear while walking at night or during sleep, they may visualize the sun and moon entering the "Mingtang" (the acupoint between the eyebrows). Within moments, all perverse qi will naturally dissipate. This method is particularly suited for hermits practicing in mountain retreats, as it safeguards against external pathogenic influences.

Finally, the text mentions the "Supreme Ultimate Perfected Being's Method of Ingesting the Four Poles' Cloud Teeth Divine Immortal Superior Formula," a high-level practice transmitted by the Perfected Being of Clarity and Emptiness to Wei Huacun (a renowned female Daoist adept). The specific method involves gathering the essence of dawn light from the five directions and ingesting the radiance of nine-colored clouds. This practice enables divine light to illuminate inwardly, bestowing a radiant countenance, a body translucent as jade, and a purified form and qi.

Note: References such as "Jade Pendants and Golden Pendants" and the "Path of the Jade Maidens" denote advanced cultivation techniques requiring substantial foundational attainment before practice.

This scripture describes a Daoist cultivation method focused on invoking the descent of the Five Directional Deities through specific breathing techniques, teeth-tapping rituals, and incantations. Here's a section-by-section explanation:

The first section explains that after ten years of practice, the Five Directional Elders (deities representing the cosmic directions) will descend. It mentions the "Central Primordial Lord" arriving on a cloud-dragon to assist the practitioner in achieving daylight ascension. Parenthetical notes clarify that these deities are transformations of natural Jing-Qi (essence-energy), representing a state beyond ordinary cultivation. While a decade may seem lengthy, the miraculous effects hinge on mastering the secret breathing techniques.

The second section traces the transmission lineage. It recounts how the ancient Taiji (Supreme Ultimate) Perfected One, Xiliangzi, received oral instructions from Lord Lao (Laozi), with strict commandments to transmit only to five individuals per millennium. Pre-transmission requires five days of Zhaijiao (purification rituals) and oath-taking with golden rings as tokens. The commentary adds that such rituals help ordinary practitioners commune with deities, while adepts like Master Wang could achieve resonance in a single day.

The third section details the Eastern practice method:

1. Face east and tap teeth nine times

2. Silently recite: "Eastern azure sprouts and purple clouds flow, embraced by the Three Luminaries (sun, moon, stars). I ingest dawn light and drink morning dew"

3. Swipe the tongue along the upper lip's outer edge, swallowing saliva in thirty portions (each swallow visualizing green Qi entering the liver)

A decade of practice summons the Eastern Polar Elder, who bestows the Azure Truth Scripture and guides ascension.

The fourth section introduces Southern practice:

1. Face south and tap teeth nine times

2. Recite: "Southern cinnabar glows radiantly, nine crimson mists diffuse brilliance. I ingest numinous dawn and drink from the cinnabar pool"

(The subsequent Southern methods mirror Eastern practices, though the text remains incomplete)

Note: Terms like "Three Luminaries" (san su) and "azure sprouts" (qing ya) represent specialized Daoist concepts denoting celestial lights and directional energies. This complete method aligns practitioners with Wuxing (Five Phases) energies through directional orientation, visualization, and swallowing techniques.

This scripture outlines a complete Daoist cultivation method centered on saliva swallowing (yanjin) combined with incantations and visualization (cunxiang). The practice proceeds as follows:

First, face east and knock the teeth nine times while silently reciting: "Eastern green sprouts—I ingest green sprouts, drinking the morning's radiance." Then lick the outer lips and swallow saliva thirty times, visualizing it as green energy flowing into the liver. After ten years of this practice, the Elder of the Eastern Pole will appear to bestow the Scripture of Azure Essence (Qingyao Jing), enabling celestial ascension.

Next, turn westward, knock teeth nine times and recite: "Western luminous stones—flying mists and golden fluids, I ingest the essence of great brightness and white numinosity." Lick the inner upper lip and swallow white saliva thirty times, visualizing it entering the lungs. After a decade, the Elder of the Western Pole will confer the Scripture of White Numinous Power (Suling Weishen).

Facing north, knock teeth and chant: "Northern dark nourishments—auspicious clouds awaken the embryo." Lick the inner lower lip and swallow black saliva thirty times, visualizing it flowing into both kidneys. Ten years later, the Elder of the Northern Pole will transmit the Dark Register of Precious Illumination (Xuanlu Baoming).

Finally, turn southward, tilt the head back, knock teeth and recite: "The primordial yellows of center—five clouds of yellow purity." Stir accumulated saliva with the tongue and swallow forty times (the text notes possible variation to thirty), visualizing yellow energy entering the spleen. After ten years, the Primordial Lord of the Center will impart the Yellow Qi Solar Essence (Huangqi Yangjing).

This cultivation system integrates Five Phases theory (green/red/white/black/yellow corresponding to liver/heart/lungs/kidneys/spleen) through directional practice, visualization, and saliva swallowing to regulate the five viscera. Each direction requires ten years of practice, totaling fifty years to complete the entire method.

This passage discusses advanced Daoist cultivation methods and important considerations:

The four scriptures including "Yangjing Cangtian Yinyue Dunjing Luzhang" (referring to classics like the Qingyao Hushu) require cultivation in conjunction with the Four Immortal Elders (Silao) to attain the state of ascension. These texts contain three types of content: scriptures, incantations (Fulu), and ritual petitions.

The highest attainment through practicing this Jade Scripture (Yujing) leads to the realm of the Five Immortal Elders (Wulao), manifested through:

• Ability to abstain from grains (Bigu)
• Elimination of the "Three Corpses" (Sanshi, three malevolent spirits believed to reside in the human body)
• Rosy complexion like a child's
• Immunity to extremes of heat and cold
• Protection from calamities
• Clear and luminous spirit (Shen)
• Life extension reaching "one hundred million" years
• After ingesting the two elixirs "Ninefold Jade Nectar" (Jiulin Yuye) and "Eightfold Flying Essence" (Baqiong Feijing)
• Ability to merge with the luminaries of sun and moon
• Attainment of cosmic longevity equal to heaven and earth

Specific cultivation methods:

1. When reciting the "Five Yin Invocations," knock the teeth nine times

2. Practice need not be limited to cockcrow; midnight meditation is equally suitable

3. Perform in a quiet chamber with bodily purity and mental serenity

4. Practitioners of the "Guarding the One" (Shouyi) method—focusing on preserving the authentic Qi within—will progress rapidly upon learning this

5. Maintain inner emptiness and tranquility, preserve primordial Qi, and swallow the saliva (known as the "Authentic One")

Dietary prohibitions:

• At advanced stages, avoid dried meats
• When hungry, consume wheat-based foods
• Gradually reduce grain intake rather than abrupt cessation
• This embodies the principle of "diminishing and diminishing again" to reach Wuwei (non-action)

Special scriptural notes:

• This Bigu method surpasses the "Green Essence" technique
• Requires years of dedicated practice to manifest results
• Must avoid distractions from other affairs
• Should be adjusted according to individual constitution

Finally, the explanation of "Cloud Teeth" (Yunya, an essential substance produced during cultivation):

• Manifestation of the Five Elders' vital essence (Jing-Qi)
• Belongs to the luminous mist of Taiji (Supreme Ultimate)
• Gathering this radiance harmonizes the "Six Liquids" within
• At the stage of luminous clarity, myriad spirits (Shen) respond and assist
• As naturally as dragon chants summon auspicious clouds

This passage originates from the Shangqing Mingtang Yuanzhen Jingjue (Highest Clarity Scripture of the Primordial Truth in the Hall of Light), detailing how practitioners cultivate body and mind through specific methods to ultimately attain the descent of divine illumination.

The Lady of Southern Peak (a Daoist female immortal) describes in the text: Just as a tiger's roar atop mountains summons fierce winds, the yang-sui (ancient fire-making mirror) attracts light to kindle vermilion flames, and the fang-zhu (ancient dew-collecting vessel) condenses yin energy to gather mysterious black dew—these are all spontaneous mystical phenomena whose principles ordinary people struggle to comprehend. Practitioners who concentrate on studying the fundamentals of Daoist methods must first purify distracting thoughts, preserving true essence within the Three Dantians (upper, middle, and lower energy centers). They gather the quintessential radiance of dawn from the Five Directions, imbibe the Six Jade Liquors (esoteric term for refined bodily substances), and recite the secret treasure incantations of the Nine Heavens.

During cultivation, the body's vital Qi (energy) surges like leaping dragons, radiating brilliance. The mouth holds the Three Splendors (essences of sun, moon, and stars) between pearly teeth, deriving nourishing fluids from lips and teeth. Internal refinement of the Six Viscera awakens wisdom; breathing celestial and terrestrial primordial Qi tempers both ethereal and corporeal souls, culminating in veneration before the Mysterious Gate (Daoism's supreme realm). After ten years of such practice, the Five Directional Deities (corresponding to the five organs) will spontaneously descend—an achievement not warranting excessive pride.

The Lady of Southern Peak modestly states: Although I, a woman, have fully practiced these supreme methods, my faint voice scarcely carries far. I can only briefly outline their subtleties for fellow practitioners' reference. Should anyone fail in cultivation due to insufficient virtue (De), they must not thereby disparage the Daoist methods.

The colophon notes: These are essential cultivation instructions transmitted by Perfected Lord Wang (with non-critical annotations partially omitted).